Types of Plan Reviews

Concept Review

An applicant may request comments from the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) at any time in the planning process for a proposed project. The purpose of the Concept Review is to allow HARB members to provide informal comments and opinions on the historical appropriateness of a proposed project without issuing a formal recommendation to Borough Council for a Certificate of Appropriateness.

Applicants requesting a Concept Review must submit an application to be heard at an upcoming HARB public meeting by contacting Borough Hall no later than ten (10) business days before the HARB meeting date. An applicant should provide all information required by HARB. Adequate information provided well in advance of a scheduled meeting will promote discussion and encourage helpful comments on the application.

Administrative Review

An applicant for zoning and construction permits must provide the Zoning Officer and the Code Official with complete applications, satisfying all submission criteria developed by HARB and all information necessary for zoning and construction permit reviews. The Zoning Officer and Code Official will determine the completeness of the application and advise applicants of any required supplemental information. These officials will then determine if the application is appropriate for an Administrative Review.

Standards

The Code Official and Zoning Officer will evaluate the application using the HARB design standards found in Chaper 10, Appendix A (PDF), and Design Guidelines of the Code of Ordinances (PDF). Appendix A is a set of pre-determined standards. If the Zoning Officer and Code Official determine that the application satisfies HARB’s Predetermined Standards, as well as the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance and the construction codes, the Borough will issue the zoning and construction permits necessary to commence work.

If the Zoning Officer and Code Official determine that the application fails to comply with HARB’s Predetermined Standards, the Borough will promptly notify the applicant in writing of the decision, and the applicant will be given an opportunity to revise and resubmit the application or to request a formal meeting with, and review by HARB.

Formal Review

In cases where a proposed change to the exterior of a building or structure does not comply with HARB’s Predetermined Standards, the applicant must first submit zoning and construction permit applications to the Zoning Officer and Code Official, who will determine compliance of the application with the standards of the Zoning Ordinance and construction codes.

If the Zoning Officer and Code Official determine that the application complies with the applicable ordinances and codes, the applicant will be directed to apply for and obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness prior to the start of construction and will be directed to attend the next regularly scheduled HARB meeting, provided that the HARB application is submitted a minimum of ten (10) business days prior to the meeting date. The applicant must receive a Certificate of Appropriateness from Borough Council before issuance of zoning or construction permits.